Where Simplicity Hits Different
Some of the best drinks come from a single spark of inspiration.
Not an obscure root powder or a secret barrel, but a vibe—something familiar, fun, and deeply nostalgic.
That’s exactly how this drink came to life: a buttered popcorn whisky liqueur and a sudden craving for a classic movie night.
Let’s talk about simplicity and how it can be your strongest creative tool behind the bar.
From Cravings to Creation
Let me introduce you to the Real McCoy Whiskey!
A deliciously unconventional whiskey liqueur sourced from Five Square Mile distillery in Indiana, a place where in 1847, the process of distilling smooth American bourbon was perfected. Hand selected and imported to Australia, Real McCoy combines generational expertise with stylish consumption for a modern drinker.
This whiskey is a playful twist on tradition that still respects the whiskey category. It breaks the rules, but for all the right reasons.
Inspired by Bill McCoy, the legendary Prohibition-era bootlegger known for his uncompromising quality, the brand carries forward that same rebellious honesty.
Their liqueurs come in two bold flavours: Salted Caramel and Buttered Popcorn.
I’ll admit, when I first heard “buttered popcorn,” I was both curious and skeptical.
But one sip in, and I got it!
Rich, textural, nostalgic, and surprisingly balanced.
It’s a little sweet treat that wins over everyone, from casual drinkers to seasoned bartenders. I knew I wanted to showcase it simply, in a drink that captures a moment.
That’s when the idea hit: Popcorn. Cola. Lime. Bitters.
A no-fuss highball that’s not just flavour for flavour’s sake, it’s a snapshot of sitting at the movies, reimagined in a glass.
Popcorn and movies have become almost inseparable in modern culture. So much so that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. The tradition dates back to the Great Depression, when popcorn was one of the few affordable treats people could enjoy at the cinema. By the 1940s, it had become the go-to movie snack, and that pairing stuck. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of warm popcorn in a dark theatre, that first sip of a cold drink, and the feeling of settling into your seat just before the trailers roll.
This drink channels exactly that: comfort, familiarity, and a bit of nostalgic joy, all brought together in a glass. It’s not just a cocktail; it’s a sensory throwback to a moment we all know.
What Is a Whisk(e)y Liqueur?
Before we dive into the drink, let’s clarify something: what exactly is a whisk(e)y liqueur?
A whiskey liqueur begins with a whiskey base, typically lower in alcohol than standard whiskey, often sitting between 20 to 30 percent ABV. From there, distillers would blend the liquid with natural flavourings and a touch of sugar to create a finished product that is smoother, sweeter, and more approachable than straight whiskey. This makes it perfect for easy sipping or using in playful, flavour-driven cocktails.
The Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn Liqueur is a great example of how fun and refined this category can be. It is made with a blend of 75% American whiskey and 25% premium bourbon, striking a balance between boldness and smoothness. The flavour lands somewhere between toasted corn and creamy butter, with a soft finish that lingers just long enough. Surprisingly, it is also gluten free, lactose free, nut free, and still full of character, so more people can enjoy it without compromise.
So what is bourbon, anyway?
To be called bourbon, a whiskey must follow some very specific rules:
It must be made in the United States
It must contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill
It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels
It must be distilled to no more than 80 percent ABV
It must enter the barrel at no more than 62.5 percent ABV
It cannot contain any added flavourings or colourings
These regulations help preserve the bold, slightly sweet flavour profile that bourbon is known for, making it the perfect backbone for a rich and playful liqueur like this one.
Why Simple Works
Bartenders (and home mixologists alike) often chase complexity—looking for the next obscure syrup or triple infusion. But sometimes, the strongest drinks come from stepping back, trusting your instincts, and making something that just works.
The concept was clear: take the core flavours of popcorn and cola, elevate them just enough to be interesting, and keep the build home-friendly. The result is a highball that’s light, layered, and just a little rebellious.
This drink wasn’t meant to win awards. It was made to taste good, feel playful, and just enjoy. It’s a reminder that flavour is storytelling, and that simplicity, when done with purpose, can say more than a dozen ingredients ever could.
Bringing it all together:
- Prep Your Mixing Glass: Add 45ml of Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn Liqueur straight into your mixing glass or half tin.
- Add the Citrus: Pour in 15ml of fresh lime juice. This brightens up the drink and makes it more refreshing.
- Add Bitters: Drop in 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters (optional). It adds a bit more backbone and depth to the drink.
- Ice It Up: Add ice and give it a good stir until well chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain into a Highball glass over cubed ice.
- Top it Off: Top with Capi Spicy Cola. It’s a perfect match! The vibrant, spiced profile complements the buttery texture of the liqueur beautifully.
- Garnish and Enjoy: We keep it simple with a lime wheel and a straw. Nothing over the top, just fast, fresh, and ready to drink.
Try It, Tweak It, Make It Yours
This drink is easily adapted. Swap in your favourite cola, add a pinch of salt to echo cinema popcorn, or experiment with different bitters. The key is to keep it fun and accessible—just like the liqueur that inspired it.
The Real McCoy was born from a rebellious spirit. This drink? It’s proof you don’t need rules to make something worth sipping.
This drink is easy to replicate at home or behind the bar. Give it a go and let us know what you think!
Now it’s your turn to give this a try!
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Let us know what you’d like to see in the next recipe!
